Freezer cabinet with communication device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a freezer cabinet ( 1 ) comprising a sensor system ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ) for detecting at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet ( 1 ); and a slot ( 23 ) shaped to receive a communication device ( 10 ) configured to communicate with the sensor system ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ). The slot ( 23 ) extends into the cabinet ( 1 ) from a trapezoidal orifice ( 24 ) in an outer wall ( 6 ) of the cabinet ( 1 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to freezer cabinets of the type used to display and dispense frozen confections and to communication devices for use in such cabinets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Freezer cabinets used in retail outlets, such as ice cream cabinets, typically serve a range of functions. Not only do they store frozen products, but they are also in many cases used as the point of dispense, with the consumer selecting and removing a chosen product directly from the cabinet. Thus information gathered regarding the state of cabinets can be useful for a number of purposes especially when such information can be gathered and transmitted to a remote location using telemetry.

The use of telemetry in electrical appliances has increased in recent years, largely driven by the low cost and ubiquity of wireless networks such as GSM networks. Applications of telemetry to refrigeration appliances have been described.

For example US 2007/0220907 A discloses a control unit attached to or embedded within a refrigeration appliance to monitor electric power voltage and/or frequency supplied by the mains. Examples given of control modules include an appliance communications module. In one embodiment the appliance includes a cavity, defined by walls, that is adapted to receive the communications module. An opening in a wall of the appliance allows access to the cavity. The communications module and corresponding cavity are shown in FIG. 5 to have a rectangular rear face and opening respectively.

The present inventors have recognized that for use in freezer cabinets, the features allowing convenient installation and removal of a communication device such as a telemetry device are advantageously such that the device can be installed in parts of the freezer that are not easily visible and/or accessible.

Unlike domestic refrigeration appliances, freezer cabinets are often optimized to present a visually appealing display to potential consumers. Thus most functional and utilitarian features are placed in parts of the cabinet which are not visible to the consumer (or at least are not at eye level) and as such are not readily accessible. For example, the compressor is usually stored in a separate compartment within the cabinet and the evaporator coils are usually embedded within the walls.

The present inventors have found that by providing a freezer cabinet with a specific shaped orifice and a communication device receivable in the orifice, the device can be easily installed into the cabinet even where the orifice is not readily visible to the installer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a freezer cabinet comprising:

-   -   a sensor system for detecting at least one parameter indicative         of the state of the freezer cabinet; and     -   a slot shaped to receive a communication device configured to         communicate with the sensor system;

wherein the slot extends into the cabinet from a trapezoidal orifice in an outer wall of the cabinet.

As used herein “trapezoidal” means quadrilateral having only one pair of parallel sides. Thus as only one pair of sides of the orifice is parallel, there is no rotational symmetry and so a communication device with a corresponding rear face can only be inserted into the slot in a single orientation. This means that a user cannot accidentally insert the device in the orifice in an incorrect orientation.

In order to further guide insertion of the device into the orifice it is preferred that an inner surface of the slot comprises elongate cavities extending from the trapezoidal orifice and shaped to receive lugs on an outer surface of the communication device. Preferably the elongate cavities extend only partially into the slot as then the abutment of the lugs at the end of the cavities can prevent the device being forced too far into the slot, which may otherwise damage the connector.

In order to aid removal of the device from the slot, it is preferred that the communication device comprises a recess in a front face of the communication device, which recess can allow insertion of a finger and/or a removal tool.

The slot preferably comprises a connector for connecting the communication device with the sensor system and/or the power supply of the cabinet.

The connector of the slot (when present) is preferably adapted such that when the device is docked in the slot, the device is in communication with the sensor system. Conveniently the device preferably comprises pins which can transport electrical signals. Therefore the connector preferably comprises a communication socket for receiving pins projecting from a rear face of the communication device.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a battery or other power supply. Preferably, however, the connector comprises a power socket for electrically coupling the communication device to the power supply of the cabinet, as this dispenses with the need for the device to carry its own power supply.

The sensor system detects at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet. The parameter or parameters which are measured will depend on the information required.

For example, the quality of frozen products is sensitive to thermal history as well as humidity (high humidity may lead to frost formation). Thus information on such conditions is valuable in identifying and/or preventing quality deterioration.

As another example, the frequency with which a cabinet is opened and closed and/or the duration for which a cabinet stays open during each product selection event can be useful in informing on consumer behaviour. In addition the opening of the cabinet can produce temperature and humidity fluctuations, as well as affecting the energy efficiency of the cabinet. Thus information on such events can also help in understanding how to maintain product quality and/or improve energy efficiency of cabinets.

A further example relates to control of stock levels. For example optical sensors, weight sensors and/or bar code readers and the like may be used to keep track of the amount and type of products in a freezer cabinet and that information used to automatically reorder stock and/or optimise the range of products supplied to particular cabinets.

Thus the at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet is preferably indicative of one or more of temperature, humidity, power consumption, stock level, and opening state.

The sensor system will typically comprise at least one sensor (for example a temperature probe, humidity probe, door switch, optical sensor or the like). The sensor may be wireless and communicate with the device and/or the connector of the slot via radio waves, infrared or ultrasound. Alternatively the sensor system comprises at least one communication line for carrying signals between the sensor and the connector.

In one embodiment the sensor system comprises a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. Preferably the controller facilitates communication between the one or more sensors and the communication device through, for example translating the signals received from the sensor(s) into a communication protocol recognisable by the device.

In order to ensure secure retention of the device when docked in the slot, the slot preferably comprises at least one clip for engaging with one or more raised elements on an outer surface of the device when the device is received in the slot. More preferably the one or more clips are located adjacent to the trapezoidal orifice of the slot. By locating the one or more clips adjacent to the orifice, they can be easily accessed to disengage from the raised elements when removing the device from the slot.

The present invention has particular utility when the slot is located at parts of the freezer cabinet which are hard to access and/or not normally visible. In one embodiment the freezer cabinet comprises a compressor housed in a compressor compartment delimited by an inner compartment wall and a portion of the outer wall of the freezer cabinet comprising the trapezoidal orifice and the slot extends into the compressor compartment. Other parts of freezer cabinets which are hard to access and/or not normally visible and so preferred for locating the slot include lighting compartments or the like.

Preferably the whole of the device is receivable in the slot.

To avoid damage to the device when docked in the slot and/or prevent unwanted tampering it is preferred that the trapezoidal orifice is closed by a plate. The plate can, for example be screwed in place over the orifice. To minimize effects to the appearance of the freezer cabinet and/or prevent external protrusions which could increase cabinet footprint, it is preferred that the plate is substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer wall of the freezer cabinet.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a communication device receivable in the slot of the freezer cabinet according to any embodiment of the first aspect and configured to communicate with the sensor system. Where the slot comprises the connector, the device is preferably configured to communicate with the sensor system through the connector when received in the slot.

As used herein “receivable in the slot of the freezer cabinet” means that the communication device fits snugly and tightly through the orifice and is arranged in the slot so that the whole device is inside the slot and does not protrude through the orifice when docked in the slot.

The communication device comprises an outer case and a transmitter contained within the case. Whilst the transmitter in some embodiments could be configured to communicate exclusively with local systems, such as the sensor system, a visual display and/or the controller, in a preferred embodiment the communication device is a telemetry device and the transmitter is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server through a communication network. Most preferably the transmitter is configured to communicate with the server through a cellular network. The transmitter is preferably configured to both transmit and receive signals over the communication network.

To allow for optimal ease of docking without incorrectly orienting the device the outer case comprises a rear trapezoidal face. Preferably also one or more pins project from the rear trapezoidal face and are receivable in a communication socket of the slot. Where such pins are present it is preferred that the rear trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises one or more projections along and/or around the pins and shaped to assist guiding of the pins into the communication socket when the communication device is pushed into the slot. Such projections not only assist in locating the pins in the socket on insertion, but also help protect the pins from accidental damage.

Preferably the outer case is of generally prismatoid form and comprises a body extending from a front trapezoidal face to the rear trapezoidal face, as with such a form the whole outer case is kept in alignment by the trapezoidal orifice throughout insertion. Preferably the body comprises at least two lugs located towards the front face and receivable by corresponding elongate cavities in an inner surface of the slot when the communication device is pushed into the slot. Additionally or alternatively the front trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises a recess to allow insertion of a finger and/or a removal tool.

Preferably the body comprises one or more raised elements positioned to be received by the one or more clips of the slot. More preferably the one or more raised elements are located on the outer surface of the body adjacent to the front trapezoidal face.

The present invention also provides the freezer cabinet of any embodiment of the first aspect and comprising the communication device of any embodiment of the second aspect docked in the slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a freezer cabinet according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the freezer cabinet of FIG. 1 with a communication device docked in the slot.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention, viewed from slightly below and to one side.

FIG. 4 shows a back perspective view of the communication device of FIG. 3, viewed from slightly above and to the other side.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a slot for receiving the device of FIG. 3, viewed from slightly above and to one side.

FIG. 6 shows a back perspective view of slot of FIG. 5, viewed from slightly above and to the other side, and with certain internal elements shown in broken lines.

Referring to FIG. 1, a freezer cabinet (1) is shown comprising a chamber delimited by a base (7) and side walls (6) and closed by a lid (8). The chamber is divided into two compartments (2, 4) by a compressor compartment wall (5). The largest compartment (2) is provided for storing and displaying frozen products, especially frozen confections such as ice cream, water ices and the like. The smaller compartment is the compressor compartment (4) and is located towards the bottom and one end of the cabinet (1).

The compressor compartment (4) houses the compressor/condenser (3) which cools and circulates coolant liquid around the cabinet walls (6) through an evaporator circuit (not shown) embedded within the walls (6). The compressor (3) is connected to a cabinet power supply (41) via compressor power line (42). The cabinet power supply (41) is connected to mains electricity via a mains power line (9).

An orifice (24) is located in a portion of one of the side walls (6) which bounds the compressor compartment (4). The orifice (24) forms the entrance to a slot (23) extending into the compressor compartment (4). At the rear of the slot (23) (the end of the slot distal from the orifice (24)) is a connector (26).

As shown in FIG. 2, a communication device (10) can be docked into the slot (23) and the orifice closed by a cover plate (35). In FIG. 2 the cover plate (35) is shown as standing proud of the outer surface of the cabinet wall (6) for illustration purposes. In practice it is preferred that the plate (35) is mounted flush with the outer surface of the wall (6).

When installed in the slot (23), the device (10) is in electrical communication with a sensor probe (38), for example a temperature probe, through the connector (26) of the slot (23) via first communication line (39) to a controller (37) and a second communication line (40) between the controller (37) and the probe (38). The controller (37) is preferably pre-programmed to translate signals received from the probe (38) into a communications protocol output to the communication device (10). Examples of commercial controllers include, for example, the Danfoss™ ERC range of controllers.

Both the controller (37) and the connector (26) are preferably powered by the cabinet power supply (41), for example via a controller power line (44) and a slot power line (43) respectively.

Location of the slot (23) (and therefore the device (10)) in the compressor compartment (4) ensures that the slot (23) does not take up valuable product space in the product compartment (2) and prevents accidental access to the slot (23) and device (10) by consumers removing product from the product compartment (2). For similar reasons it is preferred that the controller also be located in the compressor compartment but for ease of illustration is shown in the product compartment in FIGS. 1 and 2.

On the other hand, location of the slot (23) in the compressor compartment (4) results in the orifice (24) being near the base (7) of the cabinet (1) which is usually located at floor level. Thus when installing or removing the device (10) in the slot (23), the installer may have to bend or reach down to access the orifice (24) and may not have sight of the orifice (24) during installation/removal as the orifice (24) is far below eye level. Similarly for tall vertical cabinets it may be convenient to locate the slot in a lighting compartment which would be above eye level and at a height requiring the installer to stretch to reach.

Therefore the device (10) and slot (23) are provided with specific feature to allow convenient and reliable installation/removal as are shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 and will be further described below.

Referring first to FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication device (10) comprises an outer case (11) substantially in the shape of a trapezoidal prism. The body (12) of the case (11) extends from a front trapezoidal face (13) to a rear trapezoidal face (14) and has a top face (15) narrower than a bottom face (16).

The outer case (11) of the device (10) encloses most of the electronic components of the device (10), which include a transmitter/receiver (not shown), except for communication pins (18) which project from the rear face (14). Surrounding the pins (18) on three sides is a projecting rim (19).

The front face (13) of the device (10) has a recess (20) located towards the top face (15) and which is shaped to receive the finger of a user to allow the device (10) to be pulled out of the slot (23).

Located on the sides of the body (12) towards the two corners where the front face (13) meets the bottom face (16) are a pair of lugs (17) which project out from the body (12).

Located on the bottom face (16) of the body (12) adjacent to the front face (13) is a raised element (21).

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the slot (23) extends backwards from a front trapezoidal orifice (24) to a rear face (25).

Located inside the slot (23) is a connector (26). In this embodiment the connector (26) comprises a power socket (29), a communication socket (28) and connector pins (27), all mounted on a PCB (30). The power socket (29) has an opening in the rear face (25) to allow connection to the cabinet power supply (41) via slot power line (43). The communication pins (27) allow connection, at the rear face (25) of the slot (23), to a communication line (39) which is part of the sensor system. The communication socket (28) is positioned to receive the device pins (18) when the device (10) is installed in the slot (23). The PCB (30) provides connections between the power socket (29), the communication pins (27) and the socket (28) so that the device (10), when docked, can receive power from the power supply (41), and communicate with the controller (37).

In addition to the trapezoidal orifice (24), the slot (23) includes additional features to assist in convenient installation and/or removal of the device (10) in the slot (23).

The inner surface (31) of the slot (23) comprises a pair of elongate cavities (32) therein. The cavities (32) begin near the bottom and on either side of the orifice (24) and extend into the slot (23) for a short distance. The cavities (32) are positioned and shaped to receive the lugs (17) of the device (10) when the device (10) is installed in the slot (23).

Extending a short distance into the slot (23) from the bottom edge of the orifice (24) is a clip (22) that is resiliently deflectable away from the slot. The clip (22) is positioned and shaped to receive the raised element (21) of the device (10) when the device (10) is docked in the slot (23).

To install the device (10) in the slot (23) of the freezer cabinet (1), a user aligns the rear face (14) of the device (10) with the orifice (24) and slides the device (10) into the slot (23) until the device pins (18) are received in the communication socket (28) of the connector (26).

The corresponding shapes of the orifice (24) and device (10) ensure that the device (10) is not placed into the slot (23) in the incorrect orientation. If the device (10) is upside down or on its side then it will not fit into the trapezoidal orifice (24). If the device (10) is inserted backwards (i.e. front face (13) first) then the device (10) can only travel a short distance into the slot (23) before the lugs (17) abut against the ends of the elongate cavities (32).

When the device (10) is inserted in the slot (23) in the correct orientation, the lugs (17) do not abut against the ends of the cavities (32) until the device has travelled far enough to ensure that the device pins (18) are received in the communication socket (28) of the connector (26). If the user attempts to push the device (10) further into the slot (23) then the abutment of the lugs (17) against the ends of the cavities (32) prevents futher movement of the device (10) into the slot (23) which would otherwise damage the connector (26) and/or the device pins (18).

As the device (10) is inserted and the device pins (18) approach the communication socket (28) of the connector (26), the protruding rim (19) is pushed around the top and sides of the communication socket (28) and thereby guides the pins (18) into sound engagement with the socket (28). At the same time the raised element (21) causes the clip (22) to be deflected downwards.

When the device (10) reaches a position wherein the device pins (18) are received in the communication socket (28), the raised element (21) is located inwards of the thickest portion of the clip (22). As such the clip (22) snaps back into alignment with the lower edge of the orifice (24), thus securing the device (10) in place.

The user then secures the cover plate (35) over the orifice (24).

With the device (10) installed in the slot (23), the transmitter of the device (10) begins to transmit data received from the controller (37) to a remote server via a GSM or similar wireless network.

Occasionally it may be necessary to remove the device (10) from the cabinet (1) for routine maintenance and/or updates. To remove the device (10), the user first removes the cover plate (35). The user then places a finger or tool into the recess (20) on the front face (13) of the device (10) and pushes the clip (22) downwards to release the raised element (21). The user then simply pulls the device (10) out from the slot (23).

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a freezer cabinet of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a device of the invention) mutatis mutandis. 

1. A freezer cabinet comprising: a sensor system for detecting at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet; a slot shaped to receive a communication device; and a communication device received in the slot and configured to communicate with the sensor system; wherein the slot extends into the cabinet from a trapezoidal orifice in an outer wall of the cabinet and wherein the trapezoidal orifice has only one pair of parallel sides; and wherein the communication device comprises: an outer case of generally prismatoid form comprising a body extending from a front trapezoidal face to a rear trapezoidal face wherein the front and rear trapezoidal faces each have only one pair of parallel sides; and a transmitter contained within the case.
 2. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein an inner surface of the slot comprises elongate cavities extending from the trapezoidal orifice and shaped to receive lugs on an outer surface of the communication device.
 3. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slot comprises a connector for connecting the communication device with the sensor system and wherein the connector comprises a communication socket for receiving pins projecting from a rear face of the communication device.
 4. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 3 wherein the connector comprises a power socket in addition to or instead of the communication socket and wherein the power socket is for electrically coupling the communication device to the power supply of the cabinet.
 5. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor system comprises a controller and one or more sensors communicating with the controller, wherein the controller facilitates communication between the one or more sensors and the communication device.
 6. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet is indicative of one or more of temperature, humidity, power consumption, stock level, and opening state.
 7. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the freezer cabinet comprises a compressor housed in a compressor compartment delimited by an inner compartment wall and a portion of the outer wall of the freezer cabinet comprising the trapezoidal orifice, such that the slot extends into the compressor compartment.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The freezer cabinet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims claim 1 wherein one or more pins project from the rear trapezoidal face of the communication device and are receivable in a communication socket of the slot.
 12. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rear trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises one or more projections along and/or around the pins and shaped to assist guiding of the pins into the communication socket when the communication device is pushed into the slot.
 13. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body of the communication device comprises at least two lugs located towards the front face and receivable by corresponding elongate cavities in an inner surface of the slot when the communication device is pushed into the slot.
 14. The freezer cabinet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the front trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises a recess to allow insertion of a finger and/or a removal tool.
 15. (canceled) 